The incident happened shortly after Poynton discovered McGuinness was having an affair with a doctor

The former head chef of Alimentum has previously pleaded not guilty but today admitted to the assault on January 3.

Shauna McGuinness, Poynton's wife and the victim of the assault, previously insisted she was not the victim of domestic abuse and didn't want the case to be prosecuted.

The court heard how the couple had been out drinking to discuss their marriage after Poynton discovered McGuinness had been having an affair with a doctor.

CCTV footage of the incident showed to the court showed Poynton pushing his wife twice, once when she was sitting on a stool and a second time in the back as they were leaving.

McGuiness was not injured and had hit Poynton in his ribs in a bar before the pushing, the court heard.

It is absolutely right to say you should know this case has turned both his and his wife’s life upside down.

Gillian McGivern, Poynton's lawyer

Mr Poynton was given three months conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 in court costs.

His defence lawyer Gillian McGivern said: "The fact is Mr Poynton was a man of impeccable good character. It is absolutely right to say you should know this case has turned both his and his wife’s life upside down.

"She is at the back of the court today and was two weeks ago. There were private issues in their marriage. I made mention of the fact this is the second appearance. When he appeared the case was adjourned because he was a man of impeccable character.

"She tried everything she can to persuade police that she did not support prosecution. She spoke to previous prosecution at length. I do with the greatest respect draw that aspect to this case.

"She has been made to feel the victim and will continue to feel that hereafter.

"Her world crumbled around her. She said she pleaded with officers and at the time she was not the victim.

"She said she is not a victim of domestic abuse. She goes on to stress this matter. She confirms they were upset on the night in question. She said her husband pushed her but not with the intention to hurt her. Her husband was very remorseful for his actions and is not a threat to her or anyone else’s well-being.

Mark Poynton appears in an episode of BBC’s Great British Menu

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"She went to explain it had been a very difficult year for her husband’s business and how that can add to this situation."

The magistrate said: “Don’t let it happen again, I am sure it won’t.”

A statement from Mark Poynton and Shauna McGuinness said: "I think the sentencing given today outlines the fact this case did not need to be brought to court and the fact the (magistrate) even described it as ‘a minor assault, if it could even be called an assault at all’ shows that."

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Poynton, right, pictured with revered chef Marcus Wareing on the BBC's Great British Menu showCredit: BBC

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CCTV footage from the pub showing the incident was played at Huntingdon Magistrates' CourtCredit: BPM Media

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Poynton was the head chef of Alimentum in Cambridge - but he left the job months ago

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Shauna McGuinness said she was not the victim of domestic abuse and didn't want Poynton to be prosecutedCredit: Instagram

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